Differentiation and Common Core—A Strange Combination for Gifted Students
In looking at different cities and their plans for gifted students, there is one thing most of them now have in common. They advocate differentiation and Common Core. The real buzz word is differentiation!
Differentiation sounds soothing, like it will give every parent what they always dream of, personalized attention for their child. It advertises that every child’s differences will, in fact, be considered. Differentiation takes the edge off the word Common.
We all want our schools to care and address the unique needs of our children. But with this differentiation, there is a caveat. With Common Core State Standards, differentiation leads everyone to the same goals!
Carol Ann Tomlinson is the education professor who devised the thinking behind differentiation, and I have much respect for her, and, to some extent, classroom differentiation is good teaching.
Differentiation has also been around for a long time. It is often discussed in regard to inclusion. In the past, most teachers varied some of what they taught to reach the differences all children bring to the classroom. However, most classes were more homogenous and possibly smaller. A teacher can alter their plans for a few differences easier than preparing for a wide variety of differences—some serious.
Such a class also requires much preparation, and schools don’t always think much about grouping students when they set up classes. Most teachers don’t know the Differentiation and Common Core—A Strange Combination for Gifted Students: